THOUGHT OF THE DAY -2

Government Appointed A Presidential Task Force On Getting Back State Assets

Government Logo

The government has established a 13 member Special Presidential Task Force On getting back   state assets.President Maithripala Sirisena has today(30) handed over the appointment letters to the all 13 members of the Task Force at the President's Office according to the President's Media Unit.

The main duty of this Task Force is to investigating on the state assets that lost during the previous government and getting  those assets back to the government.

Government Has Handed over A Large Stock Of Essential Items For The Nepali Earthquake Victims

Sri Lankan Government has today(30) handed over a stock of food and other essential items for the earthquake victims of Nepal.The finance minister Ravi Karunanayake has handed over a container load full of Canned Fish,a stock contains 22,560 Kilo Grammes of Apple, a stock of T Shirts,100 Ruber Boots and 18,600 pairs of Shoes to the Nepali Ambassador in Sri Lanka Ram Singh Thapa at the Temple Trees this evening.

Sri Lankan Government has also sent a Relief Team last Sunday which including Doctors,Nurses and Paramedics with a stock of medicine to help the earthquake victims in Nepal.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY -1

Fast Bowling Coach Of The National Cricket Team Chaminda Vaas Has Resigned From His Post

The fast bowling Coach of the Sri Lankan National Cricket Team Chaminda Vaas has been tendered his resignation to the Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee today(30).

The former Sri Lankan Opening Bowler has said that he has decided to resign due to the political interference in the Cricket.He also said that he has no intention to continuing in any capacity of the Sri Lankan Cricket Administration in future.

Chaminda Vaas was appointed as the Fast Bowling Coach of  Sri Lankan National Cricket Team in February 2013 for a two year period.

A BED FOR CAT AND DOG -FROM CREATIVE IDEAS

The Girl Who Tried To Damage Sigiriya Mirror Wall Was Released On Presidential Pardon

Sinnathambi Udayasiri who was sentenced to two years imprisonment in Anuradhapura Prison for trying to damage Sigiriya Mirror Wall has been released today(30) on Presidential  Pardon.President Maithripala Sirisena has given pardon to the 27year old Sinnathambi who is a resident in  batticloe on 02nd of April but she was not released earlier this month due to the delay of receiving the written order to the Prison Authorities.

Dambulla Magistrate Court has sentenced her two year imprisonment following her arrest by the Sigiriya Police.

Dual Citizens Not Able To Contest In Sri Lankan Parliamentary Election -Deputy Foreign Minister

The Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith P Perera has said today (30) that there's a proposal in the 19th Amendment that Sri Lankans who are dual citizens will not able to contest for the Sri Lankan Parliamentary Elections.Speaking at a media briefing held today in Colombo he said that for being a Sri Lankan Citizen is an essential qualification for a person to contest in a Parliamentary Election here.

The former Economic Development Minister MP Basil Rajapakshe who is now in remand and the former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaskhe are both hold Dual Citizenship in Sri Lanka and USA the deputy foreign minister has stressed.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Government Hospital Nurses In Eastern Province To Strike Tomorrow(30)

The Government Hospital Nurses attach to the Hospitals in Eastern Province are due to be launched a one day token strike tomorrow(30) by demanding to  implement  the delayed transfers of 8 nurses  in the province according to the Government Nursing Officers Union.

Around 500 nurses attach to the Government  Hospitals in Eastern Province
 are due to be participated this strike which scheduled to be held from 7 a.m tomorrow to 7 a.m on Friday.

Seventeen May Day Rallies Scheduled To Be Held In Colombo On 01st Of May

Around Seventeen May Day Rallies including the Government's May Day Rally are scheduled to be held in Colombo on 01st of May.

As there's a special traffic plan to be put in to effect on 01st of May in Colombo for May Day Rallies , Police have urged the public to avoid from entering Colombo on that day unless for an urgent matter.

19th Amendment To Be Implemented From Tomorrow(30)

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution  which was passed in Parliament yesterday(28) will be implemented from tomorrow(30) except 4 articles in it which will  come in to force by the next parliament due to be elected through a fresh general elections according to the Minister Of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakshe.

The four articles which are due to come in to force after the next general elections are pertaining to making appointments to the Judicial Service Commission he stressed."As the current appointments to the commission have been made already those four articles will be come in to force through the next Parliament the Minister has stated.

The 19th Amendment which includes the amendments of reducing the key powers of the Executive President was passed in the Parliament yesterday with two thirds majority.

Police Have Used Water Cannon And Tear Gas To Disperse A Protest Of Buddhist Monks

The Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse a group of Buddhist Monks belongs to the Inter University Bhikku Front this evening as they have forcefully tried to enter the University Grants Commission premises in Colombo .

The Group of Monks were marched towards the university grants commission and tried to enter the Commission Premises forcefully  Police have said.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

19th Amendment Draft Bill Was Passed By A Majority Of 212 Votes At The Final Voting

The 19th Amendment Draft Bill was passed in Parliament short while ago by a majority of 212 votes after it's final  committee stage debate.At the final voting 212 voted in favor for the amendment while one MP voted against it.

After the second reading of the 19th Amendment it was passed with a majority of 215 votes few hours ago.

After the conclusion of voting President Maithripala Sirisena has said that passing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution by two thirds majority is a historical victory of the public.

Government Agreed To The Opposition Proposal On Increasing The Number Of MP'S In The Constitutional Council

Prime Minister Ranil Wikramasinha has said today(28) in Parliament that the government has agreed to the proposal made by  opposition to include more MP's to the Constitutional Council.According to the opposition's proposal Constitutional Council should includes 7 MP'S and 3 non MP'S.

During the party leaders meeting held earlier the opposition parties made this proposal   but no agreement reach on that between the party leaders.

19th Amendment Draft Bill Was Passed In Parliament By Two Thirds Majority

The 19th Amendment Draft Bill which reduces the key powers of the Executive Presidency and establishing Independent Electoral,Constitutional ,Judicial and Police Commissions has been passed in  the Parliament this evening on it's second reading by two thirds majority.At the voting 215 MP's out of  225 MP's in the Parliament have voted in favor of the amendment while MP Sarath Weerasekere of the opposition voted against it.Nine MP's were absent during the voting.

MP's were individually expressed their opinion on the 19th Amendment after the speaker Chamal Rajapakshe has asked the MP's whether they are agreeable or not to   the  amendment .

Earlier the voting for the second reading of the amendment draft bill was scheduled at 6 p.m ,but it was rescheduled at 7 p.m after the speaker has extended the debate on the 19th amendment from one hour.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY -2

Twelve Market Stalls At Kalmunai General Market Had Destroyed Due To A Fire

Around 12 Market Stalls at the General Market in  Kalmunai(Northern Province) had been completely  destroyed this evening due to a sudden fire according to the Police.Businesmen,residents in the area and fire fighters attached to the Kalmunai Urban Council have managed to doused the fire before it spreads further.

The Police have suspected that an electric leakage may have caused the fire. Kalmunai Police have launched an investigation on the incident.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY -1

Former Presidential Secretary Laith Weeratunge And Two Others Have Been Summoned To The Police Financial Crimes Division

Lalith Weeratunge

The Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division has questioned and recorded a statement from the former Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunge over the controversial financial transaction of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

Along with Mr.Weeratunge former President of the Tourism Development Authority Bhashwara Senanke Gunaratne and Kanthi Wijwthunge have been also summoned today on the same issue according to the Police.

The former Presidential Secretary was questioned by the Police Financial Crimes Division over the same issue on  an earlier occasion
too.

Four Persons Died And Another Two Injured Due To A Van-Train Collision

Four persons were killed and another two severely injured due to a collision between a Van and a Train this evening at Mankulam(Northern Province) .The injured were admitted to the Kilinochchi General Hospital for treatment.

According to the Railway Control Room the van was collided with the  train which transporting goods from Anuradhapura to Jaffna when the van tried to cross the rail track at an unprotected Rail crossing.

Sections In The 19th Amendemnt Related To Media To Be Removed-Prime Minister

Prime Minister Ranil Wikarmasinha has said today(27) in Parliament that the sections related to the Media in the proposed 19th Amendment Draft Bill will be removed as Local Media and several critics have shown that media freedom will be affected through these sections.

Former President Mahinda Rajapakshe too has stated  last Saturday during a function that through some sections in the Amendment media freedom will be affected.

The debate on the 19th Amendment Draft Bill  has began this morning at Parliament and the President Maithripala Sirisena has been inaugurated the debate.Addressing the Parliament the President has said that this will be a historical occasion and all 225 MP's in the house should vote in favor of the Draft Bill which includes the amendments removing several key powers of the executive president .

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

The First Batch Of Displaced Sri Lankans In Nepal To Be Arrived In The Island Shortly

Around 33 Sri Lankans who have been displaced due to the Earthquake occurred  in Nepal yesterday  are  due to be arrived in the Island shortly through a Sri Lanka Air Force Plane it has been reported.They are scheduled to be transported through the Air Force Plane C-130  which carried 48 member Sri Lankan Relief Team to Kathmandu for relief services this evening.

Due to the reported aftershocks in the Nepali Capitol Kathamndu the arrival of the plane has been delayed reports said.

As there is an  Emergency Situation in Nepal following the yesterday's earthquake Sri Lankan Government is planning  to bring back all the Sri Lankans reside in Nepal numbering 140 including University Students to Sri Lanka with immediate effect.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's Office has today requested the Government Doctors,Nurses and Paramedics who are willing to provide their volunteer service in Nepal to contact the Prime Minister's Office.

Draft Bill On 19th Amendment To Be Presented To The Parliament Tomorrow(27)

The much talked about 19th Amendment Draft Bill which introducing  amendments to reduce the powers of the Executive President is scheduled to be presented to Parliament tomorrow(27).The Draft Bill was scheduled to be taken in to debate last week but due to the protests conducted by a group of Parliamentarians attach to the Opposition United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) inside the Parliament  over the actions of  Bribery Commission, it has been postponed till tomorrow.

The Main Opposition  Sri Lanka Freedom Party(SLFP) and the Jathika Hela Urumaya Party (JHU)have  already extended their support to pass the draft bill.The Tamil National Alliance(TNA) has yet to decide on whether to support the draft bill or not it has been reported.

After tomorrow's debate on  the draft bill  it will be taken for vote  on Tuesday(28) according to government sources
.

Meanwhile Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo the General Secretary of the Jathika Hela Urumaya Party Patali Champika Ranawake who is also the Power and Energy Minster of the current government has said that as the current government has made several constitutional amendments per the requests of the JHU , the Party has decided to back the draft bill.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Government To Send A Relief Team To Kathmandu Tomorrow(25)

The Government has today(25) decided to send a relief team to Kathmandu ,Napal where the massive Earthquake has strucked  with a stock of medicine to treat those who are wounded on the quake.The relief team is consisting of Four Medical Doctors and Paramedicals and the team is due to fly Kathmandu tomorrow afternoon from a Air Force Plane according to the government.

Sri Lankans In Kathmandu -Nepal Are Not Affected From The Earthquake-Sri Lankan Embassy In Nepal

From Today's  Earthquake Site In Nepal

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Nepal has  confirmed that up to now no Sri Lankans are  among those dead and missing due to the massive earthquake that struck Nepal today(25).The Sri Lankan Embassy in the Nepali Capital Kathmandu has said that around 140 Sri Lankan Nationals including 120 Sri Lankan Students studying at the University Of Manipal in Pokahara and 20 other Sri Lankans who reside in Kathmandu are unharmed.

However the Embassy had established a hot line via the embassy for those who are seeking an information on Sri Lankans living in Nepal. the hot line  is 009779851020057.

The Foreign Ministry too quoting the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu and confirmed that all the Sri Lankans in Nepal are safe and unharmed .

The massive Earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale which struck Nepal and Northern India this morning shook the south asian region by killing nearly 1000 people while more than that are believed  to be killed and missing .

A Mother And Three Children Were Drowned At Parai Wella Beach In Tangalle-Three Bodies Recovered

A mother and her three Children have been drowned in the Sea this morning  (25)off  Parai Wella Beach in Tangalle District(Southern Province) and the bodies of three out of the four victims have recovered so far according to the Police.

The victims have faced this tragic incident when they stopped at Parai Wella Beach on their way to a wedding.The mother and three children were at the beech when waves swept away the three children while they were playing at the beach.Mother too swept away when she tried to rescue her children.The bodies of the Mother and two of her children have been recovered up to now it has been reported.

Police are investigating to find out the body  of the missing child.The mother was 31 years old and her children were on the ages of 10,6 and 2 years.

FROM THE WEB

Import Taxes On Potatoes And Big Anions Increased From Today(25)

The import taxes imposed on Potatoes and Big Anions are to be increased from Rs.40 to Rs.55 and  from Rs.10 to Rs.35  per Kilo Gramme respectively with effect from today(25) according to the Finance Minister Rabi Karunanayake.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Imprisoned Former Minister Basil Rajapakshe Said He Is Ready To Face Divi Naguma Allegations Behalf Of The People.

The imprisoned former Minister MP Basil Rajapakshe who is now in Merchants Wards of Colombo National Hospital has stated Yesterday  (24)that if there is any wrong doing occurred in "Divi Naguma" Programme Funds he is ready to face any challenge behalf of the people.

Issuing a Media Release to the media organizations MP Rajapakshe who was admitted to the Merchant's Ward after complained about a  Chest Pain on Thursday (23) has said that the  "Divi Naguma' Programme was created for people's welfare and it was a people's programme.The former Minister has seems to be in good health now  although complained of a chest pain  earlier.



He along with the former secretary of the Economic Development Ministry Dr.Nihal Jayathilake and the director general of the Divi Naguma Programme R.A.K Ranawake were ordered to remand till 05th of May over the allegation leveled against them on misusing a sum of over Rs.700 million that belongs to the "Divi Naguma" Programme.All three of them were admitted to the Ward 15 of the Merchant Wards by Thursday  evening  after complained about  a chest pain.

Colombo Magistrate Court Issued Notices To 18 Politicians Over A Chrages Of Contempt Of Court

The Colombo  Magistrate's Court  has today(24) issued notices to 27 politicians and individuals   including 10 Parliamentarians attach to the main opposition United Peoples Freedom Alliance(UPFA) to appear before the courts on 8th of May on charges of Contempt of  Court.

Those Politicians and individuals including some Buddhist monks who were issued notices today have been launched a protest campaign in front of the Bribery Commission in Colombo yesterday (23) to protest against summoning Former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakshe at the commission.

As they were conducted the protest campaign by violating the Colombo Magistrate's  Court order issued on previous day by banning any protest campaigns  in front of the bribery commission.
the Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya has today issued the notices to those participated the protest after considering the report submitted to the court by the Cinnamon Garden Police.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Central Committee Of The Main Opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party To Vote In Favor Of 19TH Amendment

The Central Committee of the main opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party(SLFP)  has today (23) unanimously decided to vote in favor of  the Draft Bill on 19th Amendment which is scheduled to be taken in to debate by Next Monday(27)according to the Cabinet Spokesman Dr.Rajitha Senaratne .

The President Maithripala Sirisena has also assured to pass the  20th Amendment on new electoral system which proposed by the SLFP.The Parliamentary Group representing the SLFP has earlier decided to support 19th Amendment Draft Bill only if the government will presented it to the Parliament with new electoral reforms.

Under the 19th Amendment Draft Bill Eight Key powers vested with the Executive Presidency will be amended including the power of the President to dissolving the Parliament.Under the amendment the power of dissolving the parliament which now vested with the executive presidency will be transferred to the Parliament it self.The President's term will be reduced to two terms and one term will be reduced to five years from six years .

Cabinet Has Approved The "Right To Information " And " National Audit" Draft Bills

The Cabinet has yesterday (22) approved the Draft Bills on "Right to Information" and " National Audit" as promised through the government's 100 day public welfare programme according to the Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health And Ingenious Medicine Dr.Rajitha Senaratne.

Prime Minister Ranil Wikramasinha was presented the Draft Bill on " Right To Information "to the Cabinet last night and it will be presented to the Parliament as an " Urgent Bill" Dr.Senaratne has said.A commission is due to be set up in order to facilitate the " Right To Information" he has stressed.

The Cabinet has also approved a new electoral system presented by the President Maithripala Sirisena Cabinet Spokesman has further added.

A Group Of Protesters Have Caused A Tense Situation Near Bribery Commission -Former Defense Secretary Arrived To Give A Statement

A tense situation has occurred in front of the Bribery Commission Building this morning as a group of protesters lead by Pivithuru Heala Urumaya Party Leader Udaya Gammanpila have staged a protest campaign  there against summoning of former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakshe  at the bribery commission over corruption allegations.Mr.Rajapakshe who is also the brother of former president Mahinda Rajapakshe had arrived in bribery commission this morning  to give a statement to the commission regarding the corruption charges leveled against him.

Earlier he has requested the bribery commission to give him some more time to provide details of the allegations as the allegations leveled against him are old ones.The former Defense Secretary has been given a sufficient time by the commission to answer the allegations it has been revealed.

Meanwhile the protesters have chanted slogans by criticizing the bribery commission officials for summoning the former Defense Secretary at the commission. 

Former Minister Basil Rajapakshe Who Was Arrested Yesterday Has Been Transferred To The Colombo National Hospital

The former Minister Of Economic Development MP Basil Rajapakshe who was arrested  and remanded yesterday(22) evening has been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital this evening for a medical test the hospital sources have revealed.As MP Rajapakshe has complained that he is in poor health condition Kaduwela Magistrate Court has ordered the prison authorities this morning to admit him to the Welikada Prison Hospital and from there he has been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital in the evening.

At the moment MP Rajapakshe is at a Merchant Ward of the Hospital.The other two who were arrested yesterday along with MP Rajapakshe ,The former secretary to the Ministry Of Economic Development Dr.Nihal Jayathilake and the former director general of the Divi Naguma Programme R.A..K Ranawake were also admitted to the Welikada Prison hospital this morning after they too were complained on poor health condition which becomes a very common condition these days among the VIP's including the politicians in Sri Lanka whenever they are under an arrest order.

MP Rajapakshe and two other attached to his former Ministry were arrested yesterday by the Police Crimes Investigations Division over an allegation leveled against them regarding  misusing the state funds over Rs.700 million that belonging to the Divi Naguma Programme.

When arrived at Police Crimes Investigations Division to give statements yesterday regarding the allegation leveled against them all three were in good health condition according to the sources.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Former Minister Basil Rajapakshe Has Been Remanded Until 05th Of May

The Former Economic Development Minister MP Basil Rajapakshe who was arrested by the Police Crimes Investigations Division this evening has been remanded till 05th of May on charges of misusing the public funds over Rs.700 million belonging to the "Divi Naguma" Programme. Divi Naguma Programme has been implemented by his ministry.

The MP was reported as transported to the Welikada Prison by a Prison van .

The former Minister who is also the younger brother of  former President Mahinda Rajapakshe , has been ordered to be remanded by the Kaduwela  Magistrate after he was produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate Court few hours ago.

After MP Rajapakshe and two other accused officers served at Ministry Of Economic Development have been produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate Court a group of people believed to be the supporters of former minister were protested against his arrest in front of the court premises..Due to this situation the security from Kaduwela Magistrate Court to the Welikada Prison has been tightened up according to the Police.

FROM THE WEB

Former Minister MP Basil Rajapakshe And Two Others Attached To His Former Ministry Have Been Arrested-Police

Former Minister of Economic Development MP Basil Rajapakshe along with the former secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Dr.Nihal Jayathilake and the Director General of Divi Naguma Programme launched by the Ministry R.A.K Ranawake have been arrested by the Police Crimes Investigations Division this evening.

They were arrested over an allegations leveled against them regarding massive Financial Corrupt Deals occurred under  Divi Naguma Programme.Earlier today the Police Crimes Investigations Division has recorded a statement from MP Basil Rajapakshe over the allegations.

Former Minister Basil Rajapakshe Has Given A Statement Regarding Fraud Allegations Against Him

The former Minister of Economic Development and the brother of the former President Mahinda Rajapakshe ,Basil Rajapakshe who returned to the island from USA yesterday had given a statement today(22) to the Police Financial Crimes Investigations Division  regarding a large scale fraud  alleagtions levelled against him .

He was questioned by the Police Crimes Investigations Division over a illeagal financial deal occured at the "Divi Naguma" Programme which comes under his Minsitry then it has been reported,The former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakshe has returned to the island from USA to giving  some required details  regarding fraud allegations levelled against him.

Sri Lanka Becomes The First Country In South Asia That Providing Free Internet WIFI Facility To The Public -ICTA

Sri Lanka has become the first country in South Asian Region that created Free Internet WIFI Zones for the public according to the Information and Comunication Technology Agency Of Sri Lanka(ICTA).Under the 100 day welfare programme of the present government one thousand Free Internet WIFI Zones are planned to be set up around the country ICTA has said.

Up to now   WIFI Zones which public can accress to the internet free of charge have been setup in seveneteen districts throughout the island and the latest adition to that is the Natural Zoo innaugurated in Pinnawala last week.

Government is aiming to setting up free WIFI Internet Zones in every Divisional Secretariet in near future ICTA has further said.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY